Louisiana has a humid subtropical climate, which means that it has hot, humid summers and mild winters.
When choosing a chicken breed to raise in Louisiana, it’s important to consider the heat and humidity, as well as any potential predators or pests that may be present in your area.
Here are a few chicken breeds that are well-suited to Louisiana’s climate:
Australorp
Australorps are a popular chicken breed that is known for its heat tolerance and ability to withstand the humid conditions of Louisiana. Originally developed in Australia, Australorps are a hardy breed that is well-suited to a variety of climates. They are good egg layers, producing around 250 large, brown eggs per year.
In terms of appearance, Australorps have black feathers and a single comb. They are a medium-sized breed, with roosters weighing around 7-8 pounds and hens weighing around 6-7 pounds. Australorps are known for their calm and docile nature, making them a good choice for backyard flocks.
In terms of care, Australorps are relatively low-maintenance.
They are hardy birds that can handle a variety of conditions, including hot and humid weather.
However, they still need a secure coop and run to protect them from predators and extreme weather, and they should have access to a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, and high-quality commercial feed.
Overall, Australorps are a reliable and easy-to-care-for breed that can thrive in Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate. If you are looking for a heat-tolerant breed that is good for egg production, Australorps may be a good choice for you.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rocks are a popular chicken breed that is known for its hardiness and versatility.
Originally developed in the United States, Plymouth Rocks are a medium-sized breed with a distinctive barred feather pattern that gives them a “rocky” appearance. They are good egg layers, producing around 200 large, brown eggs per year.
In terms of temperament, Plymouth Rocks are generally calm and docile birds that are well-suited to backyard flocks. They are also relatively cold-hardy, making them a good choice for those who live in cooler climates. However, they can also tolerate the heat and humidity of Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate.
In terms of care, Plymouth Rocks are relatively easy to care for. They need a secure coop and run to protect them from predators, as well as a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, and a high-quality commercial feed. They also need access to clean, fresh water at all times to help them stay hydrated in the heat.
Overall, Plymouth Rocks are a reliable and easy-to-care-for breed that can thrive in Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate. If you are looking for a hardy, good-natured bird that is good for egg production, Plymouth Rocks may be a good choice for you.
Leghorn
Leghorns are a popular chicken breed that is known for its high egg production and heat tolerance. Originally developed in Italy, Leghorns are a medium-sized breed with a single comb and white feathers. They are one of the most productive egg layers, with hens capable of producing up to 280 white eggs per year.
In terms of temperament, Leghorns are known for being active and energetic birds. They are generally docile and easy to handle, but they can be more high-strung than some other breeds. Leghorns are also good foragers and are well-suited to free-range systems.
In terms of care, Leghorns need a secure coop and run to protect them from predators and extreme weather, as well as a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, and a high-quality commercial feed. They also need access to clean, fresh water at all times to help them stay hydrated in the heat. Leghorns are relatively hardy birds, but they can be more prone to feather pecking and cannibalism than some other breeds, so it’s important to monitor their behavior and address any issues promptly.
Overall, Leghorns are a reliable and productive breed that can thrive in Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate. If you are looking for a high-egg-production breed that is well-suited to hot, humid weather, Leghorns may be a good choice for you.
Sussex
Sussex chickens are a popular chicken breed that is known for its hardiness and good egg production. Originally developed in the United Kingdom, Sussex chickens are a medium-sized breed with a single comb and a variety of feather colors, including red, buff, white, and black. They are good egg layers, producing around 250 large, brown eggs per year.
In terms of temperament, Sussex chickens are generally calm and docile birds that are well-suited to backyard flocks. They are also relatively cold-hardy, making them a good choice for those who live in cooler climates. However, they can also tolerate the heat and humidity of Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate.
In terms of care, Sussex chickens need a secure coop and run to protect them from predators, as well as a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, and a high-quality commercial feed. They also need access to clean, fresh water at all times to help them stay hydrated in the heat. Sussex chickens are relatively hardy and easy to care for, making them a good choice for those who are new to chicken keeping.
Overall, Sussex chickens are a reliable and easy-to-care-for breed that can thrive in Louisiana’s humid subtropical climate. If you are looking for a hardy, good-natured bird that is good for egg production, Sussex chickens may be a good choice for you.
When choosing a chicken breed to raise in Louisiana, it’s important to do your research and consider the specific needs and characteristics of each breed. By selecting a breed that is well-suited to Louisiana’s climate and your own needs, you can help ensure that your chickens are healthy and productive.
Chicken Hatcheries Louisiana
Here are a few of the top Louisiana chicken hatcheries to visit if you want to start a hen farm:
Scarborough Farm and Hatchery
Scarborough Farm and Hatchery is a tiny urban Hobby Farm that began as a garden and now raises a variety of vegetables and hens.
Rhode Island Reds, White Leghorns, Frizzle Cochin Bantams, and White Jersey Giants are just few of the chicken breeds you can choose from. The majority of their chicks are hatched on demand and may only be picked up in person. Prices start at $15.25 but may change during the year.
Their lack of NPIP accreditation persists as of the present.
Location: 6689 Fancher Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220
Contact: 318-283-3687
Field of Blessings Farm
The farm of Tom and Kimberly Cook, a married couple, is our next stop on the tour of local Louisiana hatcheries. From a casual fascination with keeping goats and hens as pets, a magnificent farm has developed.
Since 2016, this farm has become well-known for producing and selling a variety of chicken eggs, including those of the Rhode Island Red, Speckled Sussex, Bantam, Wyandotte, and Welsummer breeds.
Although they have NPIP certification and were selling hatching eggs up until now, they are now only selling normal eggs at $4 per dozen.
Location: 74421 Peg Keller Rd, Abita Springs, LA 70420
Contact: 985-773-2972
Eggs Chick Chickens
This organic backyard chicken farm has a deal where you can get a free rooster when you buy five hens.
This hatchery has Buff Orpingtons and Buff/Rock mixed breeds. They sell hens, eggs, roosters, pullets, chicks, nest boxes, and cockerels, among other things. The following are some of their prices:
Laying Hen ($30, ages 5 to 16 months)
Laying Hen (16 months to 2 years old) – $25
Brown eggs – $3/ dozen, $5/ 2 dozens
This hatchery, on the other hand, is not NPIP-certified as of today.
Location: 129a Angella St, Pierre Part, LA 70339
Contact: 985-992-0017
Cackleberry Farm
Cackleberry Farm is a good place to go if you want to see some rare varieties of breeds.
Bantam Calico Cochin, Blue Laced Red Wyand, Ameraucana, Appenzeller Spitzhauben, Silkie, and Polish-Silver Laced are only some of the rare and exotic breeds available at this hatchery. They cost anywhere from $8 to $15 on average, though this might vary widely by breed.
They have chicks and eggs for sale, although the former can only be delivered locally while the latter can be shipped anywhere in the country via the United States Postal Service. There is NPIP accreditation for this hatchery.
Location: Bridges Rd, Peason Community, Florien (LA), 71429
Contact: 318-315-0981
Louisiana Chicken Laws
it’s always a good idea to check with your city or town to see if there are any local ordinances or regulations that you need to follow. Some municipalities may have specific rules regarding the number of chickens that you can keep, the size of your coop, or where you can keep your chickens on your property.
It is also a good idea to check with your homeowner’s association, if you have one, to see if there are any specific regulations or restrictions on keeping chickens.
In general, it is important to keep chickens in a clean, safe and humane environment, and to take steps to control odors, flies, and other nuisances. It’s also important to keep a proper distance from your neighbors.
You can have up to six (6) hens on your property. No standards have been set for domestic chicken breeds.
Do you need a license to sell chicken eggs in Louisiana?
Yes, if you plan to sell eggs, you need to obtain a license. Anyone in Louisiana who makes, processes, distributes, or sells eggs or egg products must get a license from the department.
Every license must be renewed every year.
If you don’t get a license or renew it when you should, that’s against this Part. A person who wants to get a license or renew one must fill out a form that the department gives them and include any information that the commissioner thinks is important. Each application for a license or renewal of a license must be accompanied by a $100 fee.
What is the most heat-tolerant chicken?
There is no one “most heat tolerant” chicken breed, as different breeds have different tolerances for heat. Some breeds that are generally known for their heat tolerance include:
- Australorp: Australorps are a popular breed that is known for its heat tolerance and ability to withstand humid conditions. They are a hardy breed that is well-suited to a variety of climates.
- Brahma: Brahmas are a large breed that is known for their heat tolerance. They have a thick feathering and a calm, docile nature, making them well-suited to hot weather.
- Orpington: Orpingtons are a large, fluffy breed that is known for their heat tolerance. They have a docile nature and are good egg layers, making them a popular choice for backyard flocks.
- Plymouth Rock: Plymouth Rocks are a hardy breed that can tolerate the heat and humidity of hot climates. They are good egg layers and have a calm, docile nature.
It’s worth noting that all chicken breeds will need some form of protection from extreme heat, such as access to shade and plenty of water, in order to stay comfortable and healthy. It’s also important to consider the specific needs and characteristics of each breed when choosing which one is best for your climate and situation.
Are chickens okay in 100 degree heat?
Chickens can tolerate high temperatures, but they do need access to shade and plenty of water to stay cool in extreme heat. In general, chickens can tolerate temperatures up to around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit (35-38 degrees Celsius) if they have access to shade and plenty of water. However, beyond that point, they may start to become stressed and may struggle to regulate their body temperature.
If the temperature is extremely hot, it’s important to take extra care to ensure that your chickens are comfortable and have what they need to stay cool. This can include providing additional shade, using misters or fans to cool the air, and ensuring that they have access to plenty of clean, fresh water.
It’s also important to monitor your chickens closely for signs of heat stress, such as panting, lethargy, and decreased egg production. If you notice any of these signs, take steps to cool your chickens down and provide them with additional care and attention.
Overall, it’s important to be mindful of the heat and take steps to protect your chickens from extreme temperatures in order to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Is it OK to spray chickens with water?
Yes, it is generally okay to spray chickens with water. Chickens do not have sweat glands, so they rely on external methods of cooling themselves off, such as panting or splashing in water.
Spraying them with water can help them regulate their body temperature, especially on hot days.
However, it is important to make sure that the water is clean and that the chickens have access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. You should also be mindful of the pressure and temperature of the water, as using very cold or very hot water could be uncomfortable or even harmful for the chickens.
Additionally, it is important to avoid spraying water directly into the chickens’ eyes, nostrils, or mouths.
What do you put in the water to keep chicken clean?
There are a few things that you can add to the water to help keep your chickens clean and healthy.
One option is to use a water sanitizer, such as a product that contains chlorine or another disinfectant. This can help to kill any bacteria or other contaminants that may be present in the water.
Another option is to use a water conditioner, which can help to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities from the water. Some water conditioners also contain electrolytes, which can help to replenish minerals that are lost through sweating and other natural processes.
In addition to these products, you can also add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the water. This can help to prevent bacteria from growing in the water and can also help to improve the birds’ overall health.
Some people also recommend adding herbs, such as oregano or basil, to the water, as these can have antibacterial properties and may help to improve the taste of the water.
It’s important to note that these are just a few options, and you should choose the approach that is best for your specific chickens and their needs. It is also important to regularly clean and refill the water containers to ensure that the chickens have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
Conclusion
It is difficult to make a conclusion about the top chickens for Louisiana without more information about the specific needs and goals of the person raising the chickens. Some factors to consider when selecting chickens for Louisiana include the purpose of the chickens (e.g., egg production, meat production, show birds), the climate and weather conditions in the area, and any local laws or regulations that may affect chicken keeping.
Some chicken breeds that may be well-suited to Louisiana include heat-tolerant breeds such as the Australorp, Delaware, and Plymouth Rock, as well as breeds that are known for their egg production, such as the Leghorn and the Sussex. It is always a good idea to do research and consult with local experts or poultry organizations to determine the best chicken breeds for your specific situation.
Sources:
https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/
https://www.ldaf.state.la.us/animal-health/poultry-egg-programs/
https://www.brla.gov/184/Livestock-Chickens-Fowl-Regulations
Shannon Stansberry has been engaged in the business of raising chickens for more than 12 years. In 2016, she accomplished the Agriculture & Natural Resources program at Mt. San Antonio College. At present, she tends to more than 80 chickens on her 4-hectare farm. Shannon regularly shares her insights and experience on how to raise healthy and contented chickens on the platform Typesofchickens.com
